Researchers unearthed the inscriptions during a 2026 excavation at Cova de les Dones (Cave of the Women), near Valencia on Spain's east coast. The discovery significantly expands the number of known writings from the site from 15 initially documented in 2024. The inscriptions mostly date to the first and second centuries A.D. and were found on the walls and ceilings of a deep cave chamber, which the researchers call the "Roman Sanctuary."
The researchers think the cave hosted a dedicated cult centered on a mysterious goddess whom worshippers called Domina, meaning "the Lady."
Two inscriptions in the cave reading "Domina" or "the Lady" (Image credit: University of Alicante)
"This goddess had a specific aspect, perhaps related to water, the definitive interpretation of which we are currently working on," Silvia Alfayé, a professor of ancient history at the University of Zaragoza in Spain, said in the statement.
Evidence of a goddess-worshipping cult
The researchers also found chalice-shaped vessels, two rings, a bracelet, ceramic fragments, plant remains and other archaeological materials in the cave that point to women playing an active role in the cult's rituals.
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The new finds add clues to ancient activity inside Cova de les Dones, which has a much older archaeological history. Archaeologists previously identified more than 100 Paleolithic paintings and engravings in the cave, some dating back more than 24,000 years.
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